South Auckland > Mental Health & Addictions >
Pongarosa Equestrian Centre - Therapy and Wellbeing
Mental Health Service, Community Health, Sexual Harm
Today
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Description
Pongarosa Equestrian Centre - Therapy and Wellbeing is a wellbeing centre offering equine-assisted therapy and experiential, holistic support for children, adolescents, and adults. Our services draw on the therapeutic benefits of working with horses and animals, alongside group-based and creative approaches to support emotional wellbeing and personal growth.
Additionally, clients can choose between wellbeing-focused sessions facilitated by Pongarosa EAGALA-certified staff (non-clinical, wellness-based support) or access individual therapy and equine-assisted therapy sessions with a qualified counsellor through our partnership with Creative Life Healing. This allows people to engage at a level that feels right for them, whether they are seeking general wellbeing support or more formal therapeutic input.
Equine Therapy can be benefical for:
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Stress, burnout, and emotional overwhelm
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Anxiety (mild–moderate) and low mood
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Emotional regulation and nervous system calming
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Confidence, self-esteem, and self-awareness
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Social connection, communication, and boundaries
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Trauma-related stress responses
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Sensory regulation and engagement for neurodivergent individuals
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Support alongside counselling or therapy
Staff
Sonja Mors - Director of Pongarosa and EAGALA Equine Specialist
Monique Biddick - HALO Facilitator
Chantelle Hurst MNZAC (Creative Life Healing) - Mental Health Counsellor and EAGALA Equine Therapist
Ages
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
How do I access this service?
Contact us
Fees and Charges Categorisation
Fees apply, Partial fees apply, Free
Fees and Charges Description
Some services may be eligible for external funding (e.g. ACC or organisational funding), while others are self-funded. Please contact us, or speak with your health provider or referrer, to discuss funding options and eligibility
Hours
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
| Mon – Sun | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|
Public Holidays: Open on all public holidays The following public holidays differ to standard opening hours: Waitangi Day (6 Feb, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Good Friday (3 Apr, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Easter Sunday (5 Apr, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Easter Monday (6 Apr, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), ANZAC Day (observed) (27 Apr, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), King's Birthday (1 Jun, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Matariki (10 Jul, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Labour Day (26 Oct, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM), Auckland Anniversary (1 Feb, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
Languages Spoken
English, Dutch
Programmes
Pongarosa’s wellbeing-focused sessions offer supportive, guided experiences with horses, animals, and nature to promote emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and personal growth. These sessions are non-clinical and wellness-based, providing a gentle and accessible way for people to step away from everyday pressures, slow down, and reconnect with themselves in a calm, supportive environment. Through experiential activities, reflective practices, and group or individual engagement with the horses, participants can build skills such as emotional regulation, confidence, grounding, communication, and healthy boundaries. The presence of the horses supports mindfulness, body awareness, and attunement to emotions, helping people notice patterns in how they respond to stress and relationships in a safe, experiential way. These sessions can be beneficial for people seeking improved wellbeing, stress reduction, increased self-confidence, connection with others, and greater self-understanding. They are suitable for children, adolescents, and adults, and no prior experience with horses is required. Wellbeing sessions can be accessed as a stand-alone support or alongside counselling or therapy where appropriate.
Pongarosa’s wellbeing-focused sessions offer supportive, guided experiences with horses, animals, and nature to promote emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and personal growth. These sessions are non-clinical and wellness-based, providing a gentle and accessible way for people to step away from everyday pressures, slow down, and reconnect with themselves in a calm, supportive environment. Through experiential activities, reflective practices, and group or individual engagement with the horses, participants can build skills such as emotional regulation, confidence, grounding, communication, and healthy boundaries. The presence of the horses supports mindfulness, body awareness, and attunement to emotions, helping people notice patterns in how they respond to stress and relationships in a safe, experiential way. These sessions can be beneficial for people seeking improved wellbeing, stress reduction, increased self-confidence, connection with others, and greater self-understanding. They are suitable for children, adolescents, and adults, and no prior experience with horses is required. Wellbeing sessions can be accessed as a stand-alone support or alongside counselling or therapy where appropriate.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
South Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, West Auckland, Waikato, Central Auckland
- Age Groups
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP
Referral Process
Contact us: 021 726 731 or
Description
Pongarosa’s wellbeing-focused sessions offer supportive, guided experiences with horses, animals, and nature to promote emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and personal growth. These sessions are non-clinical and wellness-based, providing a gentle and accessible way for people to step away from everyday pressures, slow down, and reconnect with themselves in a calm, supportive environment.
Through experiential activities, reflective practices, and group or individual engagement with the horses, participants can build skills such as emotional regulation, confidence, grounding, communication, and healthy boundaries. The presence of the horses supports mindfulness, body awareness, and attunement to emotions, helping people notice patterns in how they respond to stress and relationships in a safe, experiential way.
These sessions can be beneficial for people seeking improved wellbeing, stress reduction, increased self-confidence, connection with others, and greater self-understanding. They are suitable for children, adolescents, and adults, and no prior experience with horses is required. Wellbeing sessions can be accessed as a stand-alone support or alongside counselling or therapy where appropriate.
Creative Life Healing Counselling Services offers individual counselling and animal-assisted therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults. Sessions can be provided as traditional one-to-one counselling, or alongside horses and/or therapy dogs for those who find it easier to engage in a more experiential, nature-based setting. Animal-assisted sessions support emotional safety, grounding, and nervous system regulation, helping clients to slow down, connect with their body and emotions, and explore patterns in relationships, boundaries, and self-belief. Working with animals can reduce anxiety, increase emotional awareness, and support people who find talking alone challenging, including those with trauma histories, anxiety, or neurodivergent needs. Therapy is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and tailored to each person’s goals. Sessions may support anxiety, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions. Clients can choose between office-based counselling or animal-assisted therapy in partnership with Pongarosa, depending on what feels most supportive for them.
Creative Life Healing Counselling Services offers individual counselling and animal-assisted therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults. Sessions can be provided as traditional one-to-one counselling, or alongside horses and/or therapy dogs for those who find it easier to engage in a more experiential, nature-based setting. Animal-assisted sessions support emotional safety, grounding, and nervous system regulation, helping clients to slow down, connect with their body and emotions, and explore patterns in relationships, boundaries, and self-belief. Working with animals can reduce anxiety, increase emotional awareness, and support people who find talking alone challenging, including those with trauma histories, anxiety, or neurodivergent needs. Therapy is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and tailored to each person’s goals. Sessions may support anxiety, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions. Clients can choose between office-based counselling or animal-assisted therapy in partnership with Pongarosa, depending on what feels most supportive for them.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
South Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, West Auckland, Waikato, Central Auckland
- Age Groups
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP
Referral Process
Contact us at https://www.creativelifehealing.com/ OR email Creativelifehealing@outlook.com
For ACC SCS and other funding groups, please contact your counsellor or referral organisation.
Description
Creative Life Healing Counselling Services offers individual counselling and animal-assisted therapy sessions for children, adolescents, and adults. Sessions can be provided as traditional one-to-one counselling, or alongside horses and/or therapy dogs for those who find it easier to engage in a more experiential, nature-based setting.
Animal-assisted sessions support emotional safety, grounding, and nervous system regulation, helping clients to slow down, connect with their body and emotions, and explore patterns in relationships, boundaries, and self-belief. Working with animals can reduce anxiety, increase emotional awareness, and support people who find talking alone challenging, including those with trauma histories, anxiety, or neurodivergent needs.
Therapy is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and tailored to each person’s goals. Sessions may support anxiety, trauma recovery, emotional regulation, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, and life transitions. Clients can choose between office-based counselling or animal-assisted therapy in partnership with Pongarosa, depending on what feels most supportive for them.
Pongarosa offers on-site funded and non-funded Mental Health groupwork and Organisational team building facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Creative Life Healing and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting. Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
Pongarosa offers on-site funded and non-funded Mental Health groupwork and Organisational team building facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Creative Life Healing and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting. Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
South Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, West Auckland, Waikato, Central Auckland
- Age Groups
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Contact Creative Life Healing at https://www.creativelifehealing.com/
Description
Pongarosa offers on-site funded and non-funded Mental Health groupwork and Organisational team building facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Creative Life Healing and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting.
Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
We partner with schools to empower children who struggle in traditional classrooms or display challenging behaviours. Our dynamic programme becomes an exciting part of the school curriculum, giving children the unique opportunity to spend two hours each week for ten weeks engaging in transformative experiences. This innovative program benefits children with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and those who face challenges with self-regulation or stress. Equine Therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where children connect with horses, learn to manage their emotions, and develop stronger social skills—all through fun, hands-on interactions.
We partner with schools to empower children who struggle in traditional classrooms or display challenging behaviours. Our dynamic programme becomes an exciting part of the school curriculum, giving children the unique opportunity to spend two hours each week for ten weeks engaging in transformative experiences. This innovative program benefits children with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and those who face challenges with self-regulation or stress. Equine Therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where children connect with horses, learn to manage their emotions, and develop stronger social skills—all through fun, hands-on interactions.
- Programme Areas
Mental health
- Programme Type
Counselling and support
- Regions
South Auckland, East Auckland, North Auckland, West Auckland, Waikato, Central Auckland
- Age Groups
Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi, Adult / Pakeke, Older adult / Kaumātua
- Referral Types
Self referral, GP, DHB clinical services
Referral Process
Contact Pongarosa on pongarosa@gmail.com or 021 726 731
Description
This innovative program benefits children with autism, ADHD, PTSD, and those who face challenges with self-regulation or stress. Equine Therapy provides a safe, non-judgemental environment where children connect with horses, learn to manage their emotions, and develop stronger social skills—all through fun, hands-on interactions.
Services Provided
Counselling and support led by Creative Life Healing Counselling Services Website: Creative Life Healing
Counselling and support led by Creative Life Healing Counselling Services Website: Creative Life Healing
Counselling and support led by Creative Life Healing Counselling Services
Website: Creative Life Healing
Supporting wellbeing and living a healthy lifestyle.
Supporting wellbeing and living a healthy lifestyle.
- Mindfulness and mental wellbeing
Supporting wellbeing and living a healthy lifestyle.
ACC Sensitive Claims groupwork for victims and survivors of sexual harm. Creative expressive therapy groupwork Equine assisted creative expressive therapy groupwork Equine therapy groupwork Individual and adjunct therapy options
ACC Sensitive Claims groupwork for victims and survivors of sexual harm. Creative expressive therapy groupwork Equine assisted creative expressive therapy groupwork Equine therapy groupwork Individual and adjunct therapy options
ACC Sensitive Claims groupwork for victims and survivors of sexual harm.
- Creative expressive therapy groupwork
- Equine assisted creative expressive therapy groupwork
- Equine therapy groupwork
- Individual and adjunct therapy options
HALO is a community initiative using equine therapy, that collaborates with schools, occupational therapists, and other community professionals such as social workers and counsellors. Read more here
HALO is a community initiative using equine therapy, that collaborates with schools, occupational therapists, and other community professionals such as social workers and counsellors. Read more here
HALO is a community initiative using equine therapy, that collaborates with schools, occupational therapists, and other community professionals such as social workers and counsellors.
Read more here
For all ages.
For all ages.
Service types: Wellness / healthy lifestyle, Mindfulness and mental wellbeing.
For all ages.
Our programmes are intentionally crafted to strengthen teams, boost wellbeing, foster genuine connections, and inspire lasting leadership growth. Equine-assisted sessions are effective for teams to: Strengthen communication Improve problem-solving skills Build trust and psychological safety Enhance emotional intelligence Learn effective leadership styles Develop mindfulness and regulation skills Increase motivation and resilience Read more here
Our programmes are intentionally crafted to strengthen teams, boost wellbeing, foster genuine connections, and inspire lasting leadership growth. Equine-assisted sessions are effective for teams to: Strengthen communication Improve problem-solving skills Build trust and psychological safety Enhance emotional intelligence Learn effective leadership styles Develop mindfulness and regulation skills Increase motivation and resilience Read more here
Service types: Wellness / healthy lifestyle.
Our programmes are intentionally crafted to strengthen teams, boost wellbeing, foster genuine connections, and inspire lasting leadership growth.
Equine-assisted sessions are effective for teams to:
- Strengthen communication
- Improve problem-solving skills
- Build trust and psychological safety
- Enhance emotional intelligence
- Learn effective leadership styles
- Develop mindfulness and regulation skills
- Increase motivation and resilience
Read more here
Family / whānau support services provide support to improve the collective mental and/or physical wellbeing of the family / whānau.
Family / whānau support services provide support to improve the collective mental and/or physical wellbeing of the family / whānau.
Family / whānau support services provide support to improve the collective mental and/or physical wellbeing of the family / whānau.
Creative Life Healing and Pongarosa deliver facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Pongarosa and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting. Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
Creative Life Healing and Pongarosa deliver facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Pongarosa and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting. Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
Service types: Groups and programmes, Rape and sexual abuse victims/survivors, Social and group activities.
Creative Life Healing and Pongarosa deliver facilitated group programmes, including ACC Sensitive Claims groups, as well as community-funded and partnership-based wellbeing groups. Groups are offered in collaboration with Pongarosa and use equine-assisted, nature-based experiential approaches within a safe, trauma-informed setting.
Programmes support emotional regulation, confidence, communication, connection, and wellbeing, and can be tailored for needs such as trauma recovery, anxiety, neurodiversity, and resilience. Groups may be funded through ACC, community grants, or organisational partnerships to increase access to supportive, evidence-informed group support.
Region
South Auckland
Website
Contact Details
465 Aka Aka Road, RD 3 Puni, Pukekohe
South Auckland
9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
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Phone
021 726 731
Email
Website
Contact Creative Life Healing here
465 Aka Aka Road
Puni
Pukekohe
Auckland 2678
Street Address
465 Aka Aka Road
Puni
Pukekohe
Auckland 2678
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This page was last updated at 4:35PM on February 18, 2026. This information is reviewed and edited by Pongarosa Equestrian Centre - Therapy and Wellbeing.